My top loading washer agitates fine, and it drains, but the spin acts like it doesn't want to get out of bed in the morning. I hear the normal sounding drop-thunk that usually signals start of the spin cycle but it doesn't actually start moving until I physically give the basket a (very light) push, and then it spins. Still, even with a push, it leaves clothes soapy and soggy.

Does this point only to the transmission?

I wonder if this might mean anything: When I open the door mid-spin, as the basket stops, the basket sounds as if it's making contact with water beneath it in the (presumably by-now drained) tub and there's a definite swishing sound. Is that normal? The rubber rim that seals the top of the basket and tub long ago fell off and got thrown away. If a sock or something slipped in there, would it cause this hesitant spin?

The door switch is nearly new. I inspected the pump not long ago and it was clear.

Washer is 10-years-old and I would replace it if I weren't stuck like a deer in headlights trying to decide between water-hogging top loaders and moldy front-loaders.

____________________" Giving numerical data to Sears management is like giving a monkey a machine gun. No one knows for certain what will happen, but you can be sure of two things... It will be real messy, and only the monkey will be unharmed"

Removing the agitator. This is what I see below the agitator cap (photo). The inner ring doesn't lift out to expose the bolt. How do I get to the bolt? Is that recessed notch for a ratchet wrench drive? It seems weird, cuz it's plastic.

The new clutch will come with the plastic drive cam, the only thing to watch for is when you go to slide the transmission up into place the plastic cam does not hit the clutch spring. Once everything is back together everything will engage by itself once you put machine into spin.

Tampa Patty, I just want to say how hugely impressed I am with you. You took on a major repair project without knowing anything about it. And you succeeded! You have demonstrated patience, perseverance, manual ability, and courage that is exemplary to other Apprentices. To recognize your achievement, I am proud to present to you the Samurai School of Appliantology Apprentice of Distinction Award. Congratulations!